Board of Directors

Dr John Schwarz is the Founder and Chairman of AAF. John owns his own General Practice 60kms south-west of Sydney. From 1975 - 1984 John worked as the Medical Superintendent of Emmaus Lutheran Hospital (now a government run hospital) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. John is passionate about Africa and helping to address the challenges it faces due to the HIVAIDS pandemic. Whilst aware of the enormity of the problems associated with HIVAIDS, both individually and socially, John holds a philosophy that help and hope can be offered to individuals; changing lives one person at a time.

 

Rosalie Schwarz, wife of John, is a founding Director of AAF. Rosalie trained as a nurse and had a large involvement in community development programs in South Africa. Rosalie has managed John's Practice for many years and has an ongoing involvement with it. Rosalie, a mother 5 with many grandchildren, is a dynamic member of the Board, having a vital part in communication with overseas partners and maintaining important relationships.

 

 

Bruce Willmann has had considerable experience in business having been the CEO of a number of large companies. Bruce has taken a major role in the administration of AAF and has been a driving force to assist AAF to develop a more professional approach to its operations. His wife Beverley also plays a significant role in the financial aspects of AAF. A trip to South Africa and Kenya to visit AAF Partners in 2009 has had a large impact on Bruce as he has now seen firsthand the enormity of the effects of HIVAIDS on children and communities.

 

 

Sharon Pascoe-Thomas joined AAF as a Board Director in 2007. Sharon is a Fundraising and Community Relations Manager at Macarthur Anglican School. Since joining the Board Sharon has played a vital role in fundraising, constantly finding new ways to expand AAF's support base and raise much needed funds. A trip to South Africa to visit AAF Partners in 2009 has had a huge impact on Sharon's understanding of the need and this has increased her drive and passion. Her husband Philip facilitates the Annual Directors Strategy and Planning Day.

 

 

Geoff Hoskin joined the AAF Board in 2007. Geoff is the former founder and owner of Camden Signs, and has been an active member of the Camden Community for many years. Geoff is actively involved in the work of St John's Anglican Church and has also been involved in various community efforts over the years. His contribution to the community was acknowledged in 1988 when Geoff was presented the Camden Citizen of the Year Award. Geoff offers much needed practical assistance and support to the fundraising efforts of AAF.

 

 

Bruce Harding joined the Board in 2010. He is a retired medical practitioner. Living next door to the Schwarz's for over 20 years he has learnt of a lot of the problems facing South Africa. He and his wife were able to join John, Rosalie and some of the Board members on their trip in 2009. This heightened his awareness the AIDS epidemic and its far reaching effects and the difficulties in combating same and some of the logistics involved. He was able to gain first hand knowledge of the work of AAF and its effectiveness in improving the lives of many. He has been member a local service club for over 30 years and enjoyed the community involvement. He is pleased with the opportunity to assist with the work of AAF.

 

 

Eddie Ozols became a Board Director in 2009 after having volunteered for 3 months in South Africa and Kenya where he undertook a number of projects on behalf of AAF. This was not Eddie's first volunteer experience as he volunteered for 3 months in 1980 at a Cambodian refugee camp, which transformed his world and Christian view. Since 2003 he has worked as a Senior Manager in Human Services, Ageing Disability and Home Care, managing community based disability services in western Sydney. Eddie brings to AAF great understanding and insight into government and business procedures.

 

 

Jenny Hooper joined the Board of Directors in 2010. Jenny is trained as a secondary Teacher, with a focus on Geography and Business Studies. Currently, Jenny is busy caring for her three small children. Jenny has been interested in issues abroad for some time, having been on mission trips to Papua New Guinea (1998), Kenya (2001 and 2004) and Malawi (2001). Jenny has a passion for the people of Africa and is excited to be involved in the work of AAF. Jenny is overseeing many of AAF's administrative tasks and communication.